SHISUI, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nara – Where Taisho era architecture and Kengo Kuma meets

THE SPACE 

Shusui Hotel’s reception lobby, restaurant, and lounge are situated within a historical low wooden structure, originally erected in 1922 as the residence of Nara’s governor. This time-honored building proudly preserves its classical Japanese roofed gate, now serving as the hotel’s main entrance. While I opted for a taxi ride from the Nara JR station, it’s worth noting that for those not burdened with heavy luggage, the hotel is easily accessible on foot from the station. Approaching the entrance by car did make me feel a little fancy as the vehicle passed through the 100-year-old gate and arrived at the roundabout adorned with a captivating bonsai tree in the center. Upon stepping into the building and entering the waiting room with its turquoise-colored walls and yellow curtains, one can immediately sense the architectural and design nuances of the Taisho era. While Kyoto is renowned for its many establishments with over a century of history, showcasing traditional Japanese design and hospitality, there’s a distinctive charm in experiencing an ambiance that resonates with a more recent era, still rich in history.

While the primary public space of the building embraces traditional architecture, the hotel rooms and one of its restaurants were crafted by the globally acclaimed architect, Kengo Kuma and associates. However, do not anticipate the characteristic ‘Kuma’ design; although the aesthetics are stunning, the emphasis is less on ‘wood’ and more on harmonizing with the environment. Each of the property’s 43 guestrooms and suites is bathed in natural light, courtesy of floor-to-ceiling windows providing captivating views of the surrounding gardens and greenery.

The building is designed in a style known as “modern Japanese architecture,” a combination of Japanese architectural traditions and Western design that evokes the history of the time.

THE ROOMS 

As mentioned, the hotel boasts 43 guest rooms and suites. The limited number of rooms contributes to a more intimate ambiance, fostering attentive service from the staff. The interiors of these accommodations showcase local craftsmanship, and specific rooms offer picturesque views of nearby Mount Wakakusa. Ranging from 40 to 98 square meters, the rooms not only feature generous dimensions but also an open layout that allows for smart utilization of space—a crucial aspect for someone who frequently works from her laptop in hotel settings. Furthermore, a highlight of the luxurious rooms is the indulgent ‘soak’; 23 of them include an indoor bath with onsen hot spring water or outdoor baths. 

Additional amenities encompass a gym and the SUI Spa, providing guests with an opportunity to experience the rejuvenating benefits of volcanic hot springs in two exclusive rooms. The spa ensures a private sanctuary, while the compact gym is equipped sufficiently to facilitate a satisfying workout. Personally, I opted for a morning run, navigating through the area and encountering some peacefully dozing deer—a delightful and immersive way to explore the culturally rich surroundings.

THE LOCATION 

As previously mentioned, the hotel is situated in one of Nara’s culturally rich neighborhoods. Nestled along a beautiful stone pathway, often overlooked by travelers, located within Nara Park.

Speaking of location, it’s prime—right by all the main sites. However, simultaneously, it doesn’t give off the typical touristy vibe because of the hotel’s layout, strategically designed to minimize outside noise. A short walk will lead you to Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Kofukuji Temple, and Todaiji Temple.

A notable bonus is the presence of a cafe/pastry shop named Komori Tokidoki Abarotz (I’m curious about the story behind this long name too). Interestingly, it’s managed by the team from the 2 Michelin-starred restaurant Akordu, located right next to the pastry shop. I’ve heard rave reviews about the pastries, with the chef having previously worked at one of Nara’s renowned cake shops.

OMOTENASHI HOSPITALITY 

A notable highlight showcasing the spirit of ‘omotenashi’ is the complimentary afternoon champagne service at Zeze café. This café, a sub-temple of Kofukuji Temple dating back to 1804, provides a distinctive ambiance. Guests can relish champagne paired with a variety of Japanese sweets, with the option to choose between outdoor or indoor seating as they soak in the sunset.

To ensure an immersive experience of the culturally rich and beautiful city of Nara, the hotel provides various cultural activities. These include an ink-making class (Nara is one of the largest Sumi ink producers in Japan), a guided stroll through Nara Park, and morning yoga classes arranged by the hotel at the adjacent Yoshikien Gardens.

As statistics from previous years indicate, the number of visitors opting to stay in Nara has been remarkably low. We aspire for establishments like Shisui to reverse this trend, offering guests the opportunity to deeply engage with Nara’s culture and simultaneously stimulate the city’s overall development, including its restaurants, shops, and more. Shisui undeniably offers a luxurious way to spend the night in Nara, ensuring an experience that is both opulent and stylish.

Shisui hotel: Website 

Words: Sara Aiko

Photos: Sara Aiko